Research Internships

Research Interns work under the direct supervision of the Institute’s scholars in one of the following research areas:  Africa, Asia, and Eurasia. There are also limited internship opportunities for those interested in National Security. Duties and availability vary between programs. Applicants should specify which research program they are interested in and will be matched with a scholar in that program upon acceptance. This position allows for remote interns who can communicate with their supervisor via web conferencing and/or phone. Time management and a strong and reliable work ethic are required.  

 

FPRI’s Africa Program seeks to inform and educate policymakers, business leaders, and the American public on the diversity and complexity of the African continent. We achieve this through publications and programs by scholars and practitioners in the fields of diplomacy, government, geopolitics, national security and defense, international development, and private industry both in the United States and abroad, but particularly in Africa. With more than 50 nations and hundreds of ethnic groups and languages spoken, Africa faces many challenges, including violent extremism and terrorism, climate change, pandemic diseases, and economic equity. However, Africa also has significant advantages, including the youngest population of any continent, vast resources, and enormous economic potential. Interns should have the ability to assist with administrative and research tasks including, but not limited to: compiling event attendee listings and demographics, post-event outreach, presentation preparation, scheduling phone and Zoom meetings, researching and building a listing of contacts and scholars, disseminating correspondence, and general research related to the interests of the Africa program. Interns must have the ability to effectively communicate with their supervisors via Zoom, Skype, or by phone. French language skills are desirable.

Projected summer projects include:

• Research looking at Africa’s response to the Russia-Ukraine War. Interns will collate and summarize articles. 
• Research project on a mutually agreed upon topic, under the direction of the program Chair.

 

FPRI’s Asia Program monitors key developments in the Indo-Pacific, conducts research on issues relevant to U.S. foreign policy in the region, and communicates research findings directly to the public and policymakers. The Asia team’s current research focuses on China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, ASEAN, geoeconomics, critical technologies, defense issues, and regional politics. Underpinning all of the Asia team’s work is a commitment to advancing U.S. national security and improving U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific. This internship program prioritizes education, mentorship, and career development. To the extent possible, the Asia team will tailor assignments to the intern’s interests and career goals. The Asia team provides interns with the opportunity to support multiple research projects and encourages interns to conduct independent research for publication via FPRI’s Intern Corner.

 

FPRI’s Eurasia Program aims to examine the political, security, economic, and social trends shaping Europe and Eurasia. It aims to examine the political, security, economic, and social trends shaping Europe and Eurasia. Scholars in this program seek interns who can fulfill various research, and editorial tasks. Intern experiences vary based on need and individual skills, but may include research performed under the direct supervision Eurasia scholars.

Projected summer projects include:

• Research on culture/political attitudes in the Baltic states and among Baltic Americans.

Other work may include formatting publications, fact-checking, and proofreading articles. Advanced language skills, and study abroad, field research, or time spent in the region are particularly of interest. 

 

FPRI’s National Security Program seeks to assess efforts by the United States to reduce dependence on authoritarian states for natural resources for fueling Western economies, which can spur domestic technological innovation and also spur movement towards a green energy revolution while giving new purpose to Cold War alliances that move beyond military cooperation towards closer technological and economic relationships that will benefit their middle classes. Research projects will address shifting regional and global priorities in the region, and are dependent on developments in the region. Interns will gain substantive experience in research assistance.

Projected summer projects include:

• Research on the intersection of geopolitics, technology, and the Middle East.
• Research/writing (co-authoring),  data gathering, and grant writing for topics related to private military companies, security force assistance, civil-military relations (mostly focused in Africa).
• Assistance with a congressional briefing project.
• Assistance with finishing a book project on psychology and the causes of war (including war between the US and China).
• Research for projects on US foreign policy, including alliances and soft power.
• Editing program-related articles for FPRI’s analysis page.
• Data analysis, creating visual aids to interpret research results, and potentially participating in meetings where senior researchers interpret data.
• Assisting scholars with implementing social media presence, researching action for improved engagement, and curating or gathering imagery and content.